I currently own just one straight, and touch it up on .5 crox as needed (about weekly). I would like to get a stone that is one step down from the crox ( I will finish on crox) which will allow me to keep my razor very sharp. I still plan to send my razor in for honing once a year or so, but want to be able to maintain a good edge in the meantime.

I have considered many stones, and am not sure what to get. I want the most maintenance free hone (one that does not need lapping all the time), and preferably one that does not need slurry either. I have looked at barbers hones, spyderco UF, naniwa 12k, and now am just looking for some opinions. 8k would be the lowest I would want to go, as I think I will benefit more from a "finishing" stone. If you suggest barber hone, can you tell me specifically which kind and where I can get it? Money is really of no object (stones last forever!), but I do want consistency- I don't want to purchase 2-3 barbers hones in order to find the one with the "best" grit or qualities.

Thanks!